Ellen Lowe

DEXTER, Mo. -- Ellen Marie Rainwater Lowe, 89, passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, in Oxford, Mississippi.

Ellen was born March 26, 1931, in Allenville to the late Hiram W. and Marie Lee Polly Smith. She was married to Thomas L. Rainwater in Piggott, Arkansas, who passed away Aug. 25, 1968. She married Estol Lee Lowe on Aug. 23, 1969, in Festus, Missouri. Estol preceded her in death July 18, 2010.

Ellen was a devout Christian and spent her life in service of others. She became the first "door greeter" at Wal-Mart, where she worked nearly 18 years spreading kindness to all those who crossed her path.

She was a life-time member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Chapter 47 of Dexter, where she served as commander for many years. In her free time she volunteered at the Poplar Bluff (Missouri) VA Hospital and enjoyed collecting countless antiques. She was an avid yard-saler and attended auctions with her friends and family. Ellen was the original founder of the "100-Mile Yard Sale," which takes place Memorial Day weekend each year, attracting thousands of people between Jackson and Kennett, Missouri. The event still takes place annually and has continued to grow in popularity.

Ellen was truly dedicated to her family and loved being a mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Thomas and Theresa Rainwater of Haines City, Florida, and Barbara and Jim Link of Water Valley, Mississippi. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses, Richard and Margo Link, Tonya and Michael Covington, Sonya and Ross Bjork, Laura Hobbs, Bryan Rainwater and Amy Calice.

Ellen is also survived by her sister and her husband, Margaret and Clyde Mier of Dexter; her sister and her husband, Esther and Kenny Cook of Jackson; her brother, Hiram E. Smith of Marion, Arkansas; as well as 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Smith, and her brothers John, James and Bobby Smith.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, followed by a service and burial. Ellen will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Estol Lowe, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com.